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'SEX BOMB' TOM BECOMES A KNIGHT

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30 MARCH 2006

The king of disco became a Knight of the Realm on Wednesday when iconic crooner Tom Jones was honoured at Buckingham Palace. With his son and manager Mark looking proudly on, the legendary performer knelt down before the Queen as she tapped him on each shoulder with the blade of a sword.

One might expect that, after five decades as a performing artist, Wales' favourite son would be immune to the perils of stagefright. The perma-tanned 65-year-old admitted to feeling a tad anxious as his moment of glory approached, however. "I got a little nervous," he confessed afterwards. "The adrenaline was pumping."

But a few last minute jitters did nothing to take away from an experience that was, well, lovely. "It was fantastic - it was lovely seeing the Queen again," enthused the Sex Bomb singer. "I love seeing the Queen and I have always been a royalist. She is lovely. Her whole face brightens up when she smiles."

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, he said the new medal would be his most prized possession. "When I was a kid all I wanted was a hit record," he said. "I never thought about a knighthood. This is the best thing I've ever had - it's a wonderful feeling."

And he wasn't the only one feeling a little emotional. The Beverley Sisters, who were honoured with MBEs, seemed distinctly overwhelmed by the combination of meeting Her Majesty and Tom Jones at the same event. "Oh, we love you Tom – you're so wonderful!" they declared, enthusiastically planting kisses on their hero's face.

Tom's son meanwhile laughed and threw his eyes to heaven, saying "it was like this in the Sixties", as he watched his father accept their affections. Babs then said it was time she and her siblings, Joy and Teddy, beat a hasty retreat. "It's all a bit too much for us," said the 73-year-old. "We're off home for a cup of tea."